Magic Trade Reid To Clear More Salary

BASKETBALL

Orlando Sent Don Reid And A Future First-round Pick To Denver For A 2004 Second-round Selection.

August 2, 2002|By Jerry Brewer, Sentinel Staff Writer

In another calculated move to trim salary, the Orlando Magic traded reserve forward/center Don Reid and a future first-round selection to Denver on Thursday for the Nuggets' 2004 second-round pick.

On the surface, the deal is peculiar because the Magic gave up so much. But in these frugal times, the Magic valued the space beneath the projected luxury-tax threshold. Reid's $1.1 million salary for next season is gone, which means Ryan Humphrey and Mario Kasun, last month's draft acquisitions, should be on the roster.

Humphrey, the No. 19 overall pick, should sign soon. Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, he will sign a three-year guaranteed deal -- with two option years -- that starts at about $866,000. Kasun is still under contract in Germany and would have to negotiate a buyout. The Magic are allowed to pay up to $350,000 toward the buyout.

"It's about improving this year's roster right now," General Manager John Gabriel said of the trade.

The Magic also get a $1.2 million trade exception, which they can use with any trade during the next year.

Reid, 28, played with the Magic the past two seasons.

"He's disappointed because he really enjoyed Orlando," said David Bowman, Reid's agent. "He thought they were a piece or two away. He really liked playing for [Coach] Doc [Rivers]. Don's disappointed. But when the dust clears, it may be a better situation for him."